Road traffic is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Norway. Photo: iStockphoto

Emissions from oil and gas industry increased by 81 percent from 1990 to 2013. This is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Norway. Photo: iStockfoto

The Norwegian glaciers are expected to shrink as a result of climate change. Photo: Trine Hay Setsaas

In many places, especially in the lowlands, we will probably have less opportunities to go skiing in the future. In the lowland the winter season is expected to be two to three months shorter towards the end of this century. Photo: iStockphoto

State

The mean temperature in Norway is increasing

In recent years, the mean temperature in Norway has generally been higher than normal. The exception was 2010, which was one of the coldest years since 1900. The highest mean temperature was recorded in 2014 with 2,2 °C above average. Other years with high averages are 1934, 1990 2006 and 2011, with 1.8 °C above average.

In the Norwegian Arctic, deviations from the average are greater than in the rest of the Norway. The largest deviation measured on Svalbard since 1920 was in 2006, when the average annual mean temperature was as much as 5°C above normal. The second highest deviation was measured in 2012. Over the past 50 years the annual mean temperature in Svalbard has increased by 3.2°C.

Higher temperatures lead to less snow and ice. In 2012, a record level of ice melt was recorded in the Arctic. There has never been so little ice cover since satellite measurements started in 1979.

Forward looking

The annual mean temperature is expected to increase by as much as 2.3-4.6°C by 2100. Temperatures will increase most in winter. The increase will be greatest in northern Norway. Precipitation levels will increase throughout the country, especially in winter. Summer precipitation in eastern and southern Norway is likely to decrease towards the end of the century.

Impact

We can already see effects on the Norwegian natural climate

Many changes, caused by climate change, have already been observed in the Norwegian natural environment, and major changes are expected to occur in types of habitat and species composition.

Forward looking

As the climate warms up, several species shift northwards, and new species will therefore reach Norway. Both indigenous species and ecosystems may be negatively affected, especially those that are already vulnerable and threatened. In large parts of the mountains forest cover will develop in the long run.

The growing season will be considerably longer. For many parts of the country, the growing season is expected to last another 1-2 months, and some areas may see it extended by 2-4 months in the period towards 2100. This may provide new opportunities for agriculture, the agricultural sector must, however, also prepare for more plant diseases and insect pests.

A warmer climate will also affect the potential for traditional recreational activities such as cross country-skiing, especially in the lowlands.

More frequent and intense precipitation can cause problems for agriculture and increase erosion. In general, floods are expected to rise in extent, however, there are great local variations. A wetter climate will have an impact on both buildings and infrastructure, and the risks for infrastructure failure will increase. Some areas of Southern and Eastern Norway may have more summer droughts. This may have consequences for agriculture.

We also see signs of acidification in Norwegian waters, caused by increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide. In the long term this may have serious consequences for organisms with calcareous shells.

Climate change and other pressures

The effects of climate change on Norway’s natural environment cannot be considered in isolation from other factors. Climate change comes in addition to the destruction of habitat, the spreading of alien species, pollution and overuse of natural resources. In some instances, climate change can reinforce the negative consequences of other pressures.

Driving forces

Climate change connected to socio-economic development

Norwegian society has undergone considerable change in the last hundred years. Income from the oil and gas industry has resulted in a considerable increase in living standard in the last thirty to forty years, and is the main reason for Norway’s favorable economic position. Norway has become one of the world’s leading welfare states, and income and consumption levels have changed radically.

At the same time, oil and gas production has been the main cause of the increase in Norway’s carbon dioxide emissions since 1990.

Pressure

Petroleum activities, transport and industry most important sources

CO2 emissions from petroleum activities, transport and industry are the main culprits in Norway. Other sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Norway are agriculture, shipping, fisheries, heating of households and landfills.

According to figures from Statistics Norway the Norwegian greenhouse gas emissions equalled 53.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 2014.

The total greenhouse gas emissions increased by 3.5 per cent from 1990 to 2014. Emissions from the oil and gas industry increased by 91 per cent, and emissions from road traffic increased by 31 per cent. However, the emissions from manufacturing industries fell by 39 per cent. Emissions from agriculture and landfills have also gone down.

Forward looking

Up to 2020, emissions from the oil and gas industry are expected to remain at about the current level, and then to decline towards 2030. Emissions from the transport sector are expected to continue to grow, and an increase in emissions from manufacturing industries is also expected.

Response

CO2 tax and quota system most important instruments

There is a close relation between economic development, energy use and lifestyle and greenhouse gas emissions. The costs of reducing greenhouse gases can vary considerably from sector to sector. To a large extent the instruments are therefore a compromise between environmental and other interests.

Ninety per cent of emissions comprised by instruments

The CO2 tax introduced in 1991 is Norway’s main instrument in environmental policy. In addition, a national emissions quota system for parts of the processing industry and the offshore sector, was introduced in 2005 and was expanded from 2013. This means that there are targeted instruments for approximately ninety per cent of Norwegian emissions.

Agriculture and fisheries not covered by instruments

Only agricultural emissions, which constitute approximately eight per cent of the national emissions, and fisheries, which amount to about two per cent of emissions, are not covered by any instruments.